Omar Khalid
Tuning a ukulele is one of the most basic skills you need to master before playing a song. The standard tuning for the most common ukuleles, soprano, concert, and tenor, is gCEA, with the string closest to you being the G, followed by C, E, and A. The baritone ukulele is tuned differently and is the same as the top four strings of a classical guitar (DGBE). There are several ways to tune a ukulele, including using a microphone-based tuner, a chromatic tuner, an electronic tuner, or tuning it relative to a piano or guitar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common tuning | gCEA |
| Other tunings | aDF#B, DGBE, fA#DG |
| String order | G, C, E, A |
| String numbers | 1st (A) to 4th (G) |
| Tuning methods | Microphone-based tuner, chromatic tuner, electronic tuner, relative tuning, tuning with a piano or guitar, tuning apps, online tuner |
| Tuning tips | Avoid background noise, keep the ukulele close to the microphone, adjust microphone sensitivity, tune up to pitch, tune regularly |
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What You'll Learn
The standard tuning for plastic string ukuleles
The standard tuning for a plastic-string ukulele is the same as that for a standard ukulele, which has four strings. The standard tuning for the most common ukuleles, soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles, is G-C-E-A, with the string closest to you being the G, then the C, then E, then A. This is also known as C tuning, and when strummed, the open strings sound like a C6 chord. The lowercase g indicates that it is a high G, as opposed to a lower-sounding G string.
To tune your plastic-string ukulele, it is recommended to use a tuner. Tuner apps are a good option, as they can assess sound waves and frequencies and help you visually determine if the string is sharp (too high in pitch) or flat (too low in pitch). You can also use a clip-on digital tuner, which is very accurate and will not be affected by outside noise. If you don't have access to a tuner, you can also tune your ukulele by ear, but this requires developing ear training and tonal memory.
To tune your plastic-string ukulele using a tuner app, first, select the "Ukulele" setting. Ensure your ukulele is in a quiet environment without any background noise. Pluck the strings one by one, starting with the top string (A), and adjust the pitch using the tuning peg for the corresponding string. Turn the peg clockwise (tighten) if the pitch is flat or counterclockwise (loosen) if the pitch is sharp. Repeat this process for each string (G, C, E, and A) until they are all in tune.
It is important to note that new ukulele strings need to be broken in, as they will go out of tune immediately due to the elasticity of the nylon and the looseness of the knot holding it in place. It can take up to two weeks for the strings to settle, but you can speed up this process by stretching the strings and repeatedly tuning them.
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How to tune your plastic string ukulele by ear
Tuning your ukulele by ear is a useful skill to have, especially if you don't have access to a tuner. It's also a great way to improve your pitch matching and ear training skills.
To tune your plastic string ukulele by ear, you'll first need to get your A string in tune. If you have a pitch pipe, blow into the section that gives you a G note and tune your G string to that tone. Then, place a tuning fork near the bridge of your ukulele to get the tone for your A string. Alternatively, you can use a clip-on tuner or a tuning app to get the first string in tune.
Once you have your A string in tune, you can use it as a reference to tune the rest of your ukulele. Play the A string open, followed by the E string at the 5th fret. If the E string sounds too low, tighten its tuner a little and play both strings again. Keep adjusting until the notes match.
Now, you'll tune the C string (3rd from the bottom) to the open E string (2nd). Place your finger on the 4th fret of the C string, play the note, and then play the open E string. Adjust the C string tuner until the notes match.
Finally, tune the G string (4th string) to the A string (1st/bottom). Play the G string at the 2nd fret, followed by the open A string. Adjust the tuner until the notes match.
You can also tune your ukulele by ear to itself, ensuring the strings are in tune with each other at the proper intervals. However, this method may not result in the standard A440 tuning you would get with an electronic tuner.
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Using a microphone-based tuner
Tuning your ukulele is essential to ensure it sounds correct and is in harmony with other instruments. The simplest method for tuning a ukulele is to use a microphone-based tuner. This can be done on a phone, tablet, or laptop, and there are also free online ukulele tuners that can be used.
To use a microphone-based tuner, first, ensure your device has access to a microphone. You can then play each string on the ukulele directly into the microphone, which will provide real-time feedback. You will be able to see if the note is too flat or too sharp and adjust the tension of the ukulele string accordingly. It is important to keep the ukulele close to the microphone and to try and avoid background noise.
There are a few different tunings that can be used for a ukulele. The most popular tuning is gCEA, with the bottom-most string typically tuned to a higher note than the second bottom-most string. The open strings on a ukulele are most commonly tuned to the notes G, C, E, and A, known as standard or 'C' tuning. This is the tuning that most song tabs, chord charts, and other ukulele resources are written with.
However, there are other tunings that can be used. The DGBE tuning, sometimes called Chicago tuning, is more common on larger ukuleles, especially the baritone ukulele. This tuning matches the top four strings of a guitar in standard tuning, so it is useful when translating songs and chords between the two instruments. The fA#DG tuning is less common but useful in certain situations as it shifts all pitches down by one whole tone, making it easier to play music in the key of A#/Bb.
It is also possible to tune a ukulele by ear, relative tuning, or by using a piano or guitar as a reference.
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Using a clip-on digital tuner
Tuning a ukulele with a clip-on digital tuner is a straightforward process. First, ensure that the tuner is securely clipped to the headstock of your ukulele, being careful not to touch the tuning knobs. Once the tuner is in place, you can begin adjusting the strings.
Start by plucking the first string, which is the A string, and observe the reading on the tuner. If the indicator points to the left, it means the string is flat, and you need to tighten it slowly by turning the corresponding tuning peg clockwise. If the indicator points to the right, the string is sharp, and you need to loosen it by turning the tuning peg anti-clockwise. Continue adjusting the string until the indicator is vertical, indicating that the string is perfectly in tune.
Repeat this process for the remaining strings. The standard tuning for a ukulele is G, C, E, and A, so after tuning the A string, move on to the E string, followed by the C string, and finally, the G string. It is always a good idea to tune up to a note rather than down, so if you overshoot the desired pitch, loosen the string slightly and tune it back up.
Clip-on digital tuners provide real-time feedback, allowing you to see and hear the changes you are making. This visual and auditory information makes it easier to fine-tune your ukulele accurately. Additionally, some tuners may have features like sustaining pitches, which can be useful for reference when adjusting your strings. Remember to always tune your ukulele before playing to ensure it sounds pleasant and harmonious.
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Tuning a plastic string ukulele with a piano
Tuning a ukulele is one of the most basic skills you need to master if you're learning to play this instrument. The good news is that it's not a difficult process, and there are several ways to do it. One of the most popular methods is to use a piano or keyboard as a reference. Here's a step-by-step guide to tuning a plastic-string ukulele with a piano:
Step 1: Understand the Standard Ukulele Tuning
The standard tuning for a ukulele is G-C-E-A, with G being the fourth string (closest to your chest) and A being the first string (the bottom string). This is known as the C tuning, and when strummed, the open strings sound like a C6 chord.
Step 2: Find the Corresponding Notes on the Piano
The notes G, C, E, and A can be found on a piano keyboard. G4 (string 4) is the 4th G from the left of the keyboard, or the 28th white key. C4 (string 3) is the 4th C from the left, or the 24th white key. E4 (string 2) is the 4th E from the left, or the 26th white key. A4 (string 1) is the 5th A from the left, or the 29th white key.
Step 3: Play the Notes on the Piano and Tune the Ukulele Strings
Start by playing the G note on the piano and then pluck the G string on your ukulele. If the ukulele string sounds higher, loosen it by turning the tuning peg clockwise. If it sounds lower, tighten the string by turning the peg counterclockwise. Repeat this process for the C, E, and A strings until all four strings are in tune with the corresponding notes on the piano.
Step 4: Fine-Tune with a Tuning App or Electronic Tuner
For added accuracy, you can use a smartphone tuning app or an electronic tuner. These tools will listen to the pitch of each string and tell you if it's too high (sharp) or too low (flat). Adjust the strings accordingly until the app or tuner indicates that they are all in tune.
Additional Tips:
- It's important to tune your ukulele regularly, especially if it's new or if you've recently changed the strings.
- If you're playing with a guitarist, you can also tune your ukulele to match their guitar strings. The G, C, E, and A ukulele strings have corresponding notes on the guitar.
- You can also tune your ukulele relative to itself by placing your finger on the 2nd fret of the G string and tuning it to match the A string.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard tuning for a plastic string ukulele is G, C, E, and A.
You can use a variety of tools to tune your plastic string ukulele, including a tuner app, an online tuner, a chromatic tuner, or an electronic clip-on tuner. These tools assess sound waves and frequencies and help you visually determine if the string is sharp or flat.
You should tune your plastic string ukulele regularly, especially before every playing session. Changes in temperature and humidity can affect the tuning.
If your plastic string ukulele is out of tune, it will sound terrible. You may also notice that the tuning is off if the strings feel too tight or too loose.
To prevent your plastic string ukulele from going out of tune, you can try stretching the strings. Alistair Wood, author of "Ukulele for Dummies," recommends tuning your ukulele, pulling one string away from the sound hole, and gently tugging it a few times. Repeat this process until the strings hold their approximate pitch.
